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A Quick History Of Abortion Pills

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A quick history of abortion pills and how they came to be comes from WebMD. The top drug used for abortions is mifepristone also known as RU-486. Testing of the drug began in 1983 when the FDA issued a permit. Jan. 1993 President Clinton asked for the FDA to reconsider their import ban. In 1994-1995 the Population Council the U.S. patent rights for mifepristone, and clinical trials began. In September 1996 the FDA issued an approval for RU-486 to be used as a safe alternative to surgical abortion, but they also said, they wanted more information on how the drug was manufactured and labeled before they could make their final decision. On September 28, 2000 the FDA approved RU-486 as a method for early medical abortion.
Mifepristone can be used till the eighth week of pregnancy. The woman is required to go to at least three doctor office appointments during the treatment. The drug is taken by mouth usually once unless directed differently by the woman’s doctor. The woman has to take misoprostol within forty-eight hours of taking the mifepristone (RU-486).
Some side effects of these drugs are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and/or dizziness. If the side effects continue after the first 24 hours, medical attention is required because there can be serious medical problems. Bleeding and severe cramps are expected during the process. Bleeding and spotting may last for more than the next 30 days. Sometimes, the bleeding has needed to be stopped by surgery. Other serious side

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